Top 5 takeaways from week 16

Featuring Tyler Shough, Ashton Jeanty, and more.

December 22, 2025

Yooo!

Good luck to everyone who’s still fighting tonight!

I won’t bury the lead. Let’s dive into the top 5 takeaways from week 16.

Giddy up.

QB - Tyler Shough (NOR)

  • Tyler Shough delivered an impressive performance in Week 16, completing 32 of 49 pass attempts for 308 yards and a touchdown, while adding 8 yards on two rushes. He has been consistently productive, logging 17.1 fantasy points and maintaining at least 17 fantasy points in four straight games and five of his last six contests.

  • Shough is playing at a low-end fantasy QB1 level and has a promising Week 17 matchup against the Titans, who have historically struggled against quarterbacks. The Titans allowed 20.3 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks entering Week 16 and permitted 23.4 fantasy points per game to signal-callers from Week 11 through Week 15.

  • His recent excellence has positive implications for his teammates, particularly boosting the fantasy value of Chris Olave and elevating Juwan Johnson to the low-end TE1 mix. Shough's consistent performance makes him an intriguing streaming option in Week 17.

  • Our take: Shough has really shown something since taking over as the starter. If he had been the starter the entire year, we could be talking about the Saints as a playoff team in the weak NFC South (he’s 3-1 in the division). I never really considered him a startable option beyond this year, but he has proved me wrong.

RB - Ashton Jeanty (LV)

  • Jeanty delivered a breakthrough performance against the Texans' elite defense, rushing for 128 yards on 24 carries and scoring a rushing touchdown, while also catching a 60-yard pass for another score. This performance came after a disappointing rookie season largely attributed to the Raiders' poor offensive line.

  • The article suggests that Jeanty's potential has been hindered by his team's offensive line struggles, noting that his impressive performance against a top defense demonstrates his talent when given proper blocking support.

  • With the Giants up next in Week 17, the article recommends starting Jeanty, expressing excitement about what he could potentially accomplish behind an average offensive line.

  • Our take: This is what we’ve been waiting for. I don’t need to sell you on Jeanty. This offense clearly still has a lot of room for growth, which is exciting for his potential future upside.

RB - Tyjae Spears (TEN) - 2 FOR 1 SPECIAL 🎁 

December 17, 2025 (Last Wed.)

  • Tyjae Spears is currently playing a secondary role to Tony Pollard, totaling only 83 yards over the last two weeks. However, the film analysis reveals a runner with significant potential, showcasing good burst, tackle-breaking ability, and vision that could translate to more substantial opportunities in the right situation.

  • Spears demonstrates impressive skills as both a runner and receiver. On film, he shows the ability to navigate tight running lanes, shift between gaps, and generate extra yardage. As a receiver, he can make sharp cuts, separate from linebackers, and create space in the flat.

  • The article suggests Spears is a promising dynasty stash, noting that while he is currently RB44 in PPR points per game, his skill set could potentially emerge more prominently in the future. With both Spears and Pollard under contract through 2026, a change in coaching staff could potentially create new opportunities for Spears to showcase his talents.

December 22, 2025 (Today)

  • Tyjae Spears is showing potential for a strong late-season performance, trailing Tony Pollard in touches 21-19 but making significant impact in the passing game with five catches for 53 yards.

  • Spears finished his recent game with 104 total yards and a rushing score, generating 19 fantasy points and drawing comparisons to his late-season breakout from last year.

  • With an upcoming matchup against the Saints in Week 17 that promises a good environment for scoring, Spears emerges as an intriguing add in PPR formats and offers a safe floor as a flex option for fantasy managers.

  • Our take: Spears was one of my most-owned players coming into the season. I thought he was in for a big year, but his early-season injury set things back a bit. I’m still excited about his long-term potential. Maybe next year is the year it finally comes together over a full season.

QB - Drake Maye (NE)

  • Drake Maye delivered a breakthrough performance, recording the first 300-yard game of his career in a critical comeback victory against the Baltimore Ravens. He threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Patriots to an 11-point fourth-quarter comeback that clinched a playoff berth.

  • Maye showed remarkable resilience and potential MVP-caliber play, particularly in the second half of the game. He completed a crucial fourth-and-2 pass to Stefon Diggs and demonstrated the ability to lead his team from behind in a high-stakes situation.

  • The article suggests Maye might be in the MVP conversation, highlighting his impressive performance against a tough Ravens defense. His ability to overcome adversity and make key plays in critical moments showcased his potential as a rising quarterback in the NFL.

  • Our take: I’m curious what you all think about Maye. I’ll share my thoughts in tomorrow’s newsletter so as not to sway the poll below 👇️ 

Where should Drake Maye rank in dynasty?

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WR - Chris Olave (NOR)

  • Chris Olave has rebounded from a challenging previous season, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and currently sitting at WR8 in points per game. His recent performance includes a 148-yard game and eight touchdowns this year, marking his highest fantasy point total of 36.8 points in a single game.

  • Olave's resurgence is closely tied to quarterback Tyler Shough's emergence, with five touchdowns in the eight games Shough has started. This partnership has been crucial in revitalizing the Saints' offensive performance and Olave's fantasy value.

  • After a forgettable season last year that included nine missed games, Olave has demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning to top-tier wide receiver production and establishing himself as a key offensive weapon for the Saints.

  • Our take: I avoided Olave in all my leagues with the concussion history and general dysfunction in NOR. But I’m happy to see him turn it around. I’d probably still be hesitant to buy because of the concussions. Has nothing to do with his talent.

That’s all for tonight!

See ya pizza,

Joe

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